Live to Play Tennis Announces New Leader of Professional Development Program

Press Release

Live To Play (LTP) Tennis, an esteemed tennis facility that features adult and junior programming and professional tennis tournaments at its two locations in Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island, has announced Michael Sell as its new LTP Professional Development Program leader.

Sell is an accomplished tennis coach and former professional tennis player who has worked with several top athletes in the sport, including Reilly Opelka, John Isner, Tommy Paul, Serena Williams, Donald Young and Monica Seles. He has also served as the lead national tennis coach for the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) and as the assistant coach for the U.S. men’s and women’s teams at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where the team captured three gold medals and one bronze medal.

“Having a world-class coach like Michael Sell join our team is very exciting and pays tribute to what we have been building at our two LTP facilities over the past several years,” said Patrick Hieber, Director of Tennis for LTP Daniel Island and LTP Mount Pleasant. “The addition of Michael to our team will help us continue to pursue our goal of becoming a top tennis destination, for all levels of the game.”

Prior to joining LTP Tennis, Sell served as co-head coach of Louisiana State University’s women’s tennis team. During his six-year tenure, he helped the team reach record-high rankings, including breaking into the top 10 for the first time in 2016 and reemerging at the No. 9 spot in 2021.

Sell played professionally on the ATP Tour for five years and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 136 in singles and World No. 83 in doubles. He captured 14 Challenger titles on the USTA Pro Circuit – three singles and 11 doubles – and was also selected as a practice partner for the USA Davis Cup Team in 1998.

Before turning pro, Sell accomplished an illustrious collegiate career at the University of Georgia, where he was a four-time singles All-American and was ranked No. 6. He received the Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship/Leadership Award in 1994.

“My family and I are thrilled and humbled to be joining the LTP team. Ben Navarro, Patrick Hieber and Peter Ayers have built a world-class organization with a vision and energy that aligns directly with my own coaching and personal philosophies,” said Sell. “This position was an extremely desirable opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to helping LTP continue to grow and expand its successful Pro Program in one of the country’s most beautiful cities.”

The LTP Professional Development Program was created to assist young players, who have either just completed their collegiate careers or recently turned pro, prepare for a professional tennis career. The program offers mentorship in all areas, from coaching, nutrition and fitness to travel, scheduling and recovery. The program has seen success over the past two years, with numerous ATP and WTA players taking advantage of LTP’s elite facilities and esteemed coaching staff.

LTP Tennis has locations in Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island and is home to the Credit One Charleston Open, USTA Girls’ 18 National Clay Court Championship and Pate Academy.

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